Introduction
As summer approaches, many dog owners start to wonder, what a dog heat cycle is and when do dogs go into heat? While it may seem like all female pups go into heat every six months, this isn’t true!
Different breeds of dogs go into heat at various times, and if there is no particular date, there’s a good chance you’ll be wondering when the best time to have it spayed is.
In this post, we’ll talk about how often dogs go into heat and how you can tell when your dog is in heat so you can prepare yourself and your furry friend.
What Does Estrous (Heat) Cycles In Dogs Mean?
Estrous Cycle: The Basic
A dog’s first heat cycle may seem strange. It is necessary to understand the entire process of the canine estrus cycle. All dogs experience estrous, which is when they are sexually receptive.
Although all females go into heat (including spayed females), they typically go into a period of estrus twice each year. Once in the late spring to early summer and again in late fall. Unspayed Female dogs will also cycle once a month for about two weeks at a time.
But not every female dog goes into heat twice per year, as some may only experience one long cycle each year or even multiple cycles throughout their lifetime.
Seasonal Estrous Cycle
Dogs go into heat seasonally, and the closer they are to their time of the year, the more signs they’ll show. The breeding season varies by breed and goes from February to October or November for giant breeds.
Some variability may exist depending on where you live because heat cycles are affected by the local environment, geographical location, and even the type of food. But this is just a general guideline.
Female dogs who come in contact with male dogs will start going into heat as well, but this is not due to a sexual urge but rather as a reaction to the male hormones that he produces.
Induced Estrous Cycle
Hormones are the driving force behind a dog’s heat cycle. A dog ovulates to release an egg. If the dog has never been pregnant, the egg is usually unfertilized and reabsorbed by the body.
However, a heat cycle does not always go according to plan because several factors like illness, lack of exposure to daylight (especially early in life), extreme stress, and inadequate nutrition may influence when and if a dog ovulates
The first day of a heat cycle is day one, although the hormone changes have been going on for up to seven days.
Therefore, it is common for dogs with induced cycles that were not bred on day one to still be fertile for about three weeks before their hormone levels drop below the threshold and their fertility expires.
How Can You Know When Your Dog Is Having A Heat Cycle?
A dog in heat has distinct behaviors and physical symptoms, which are clear indicators, and shows it’s ready to mate with a male dog.
Some symptoms you should watch for are;
Does She Have Vaginal Bleeding?
If you notice a bloody discharge from the vulva, it’s likely going through its cycle. It may also have vaginal bleeding, especially without urinating more than usual.
Watch for heavy bleeding or spotting, and ensure you get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Has Her Vulva Begun To Open Up?
A dog’s vulva is generally closed (think, like an envelope with the ends tucked inside). However, a dog entering heat opens up its vulva to make it easier for sperm to enter.
If you notice that her vulva has opened, you should get her spayed as soon as possible, or if she’s pregnant, let her have it after birth.
Is She Showing Interest In Other Dogs?
Male dogs often have seasonal spikes in testosterone levels, and females typically respond with increased sexual activity.
It’s normal for many female dogs to show interest in male dogs when they’re on their heat period, and it’s also common for females to become aroused if there are other sexually active dogs nearby, regardless of the sex of the other animal.
Is Her Abdomen Growing Larger?
An enlarged abdomen indicates that the hormones are stimulating egg production. This means its ovaries are growing and holding more eggs, preparing for the next season.
If there has been a change in appetite, increased urination, weight gain, vocalization at males, or marked behavior changes, all indicate that she may be coming into her heat cycle.
Is She Drinking More Water Than Usual?
Dogs drink more water in their heat cycle to keep themselves hydrated. During this period, it will sweat more than usual and need extra water intake.
You must keep an eye on your pet during this time to know if something is wrong, such as drinking too much or not enough water.
Does She Seem Moody?
Some dogs might show other symptoms while going through their heat cycle. For example, they may seem moody or irritable, snap at people who pet them, or exhibit unusual behaviors like licking themselves excessively or chewing on furniture.
If you notice any of these changes, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, try distracting her with games that make her think and find treats she enjoys.
Is Her Behavior Unusual at all?
In general, she may become more agitated or restless. This increased agitation might manifest as pacing around the house or seeking more affectionate contact with you, like sitting with her butt against you while on the couch.
She may also develop a fascination with males, following them wherever they go when they enter the house.
Do Female Dogs Go Into Estrous Every Month?
The common belief is that dogs go into heat every week, but this is false. It goes into heat about twice a year, and the heat period lasts between 4 and 20 days. However, spayed female dogs can go into heat every month.
Very large-breeds tend to have a lengthier heat period, while small-breed dogs go into heat often, and the heat period is shorter.
But the heat period is not the same for each female dog, as it depends on the individual cycle, which may change with time.
How Long Does A Dog’s Estrous Cycle Last?
Dogs have a menstrual cycle just like humans do. The only difference is that the estrus in dogs lasts only about two weeks, and there is no menstruation.
The estrus period is when a female dog is receptive to male sexual advances. It is the time when a female dog is fertile and is in heat. The canine heat cycle is a vital part of its reproductive system.
What Are The Four Stages Of A Dog In Estrous?
The estrous cycle in dogs has four distinct stages: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. These stages typically last about one month but can vary from 12 to 22 days from dog to dog.
First Stage – Proestrus
First, the female will go into proestrus. During this time, the cervix produces cells that eventually become part of the uterus lining.
It is the stage at which most owners notice changes. This stage lasts an average of 9 days but can last up to 27 days. Male dogs will attract female dogs, but they will be unresponsive.
Second Stage – Estrus
Estrus is the period in which female pups are ovulating and ready to be bred. She also shows some reproductive signs, thereby attracting male dogs. If you do not want your dog to become pregnant, she should avoid contact with male dogs during this time. It takes nine days but can last between 4 to 24 days.
During this time, the fertile period occurs. The vulva enlarges but softens slightly. The amount of blood in the vulvar discharge has reduced. Estrogen levels are reducing while progesterone levels are rising. Cornified (flattened) epithelial cells predominate in vaginal cytology.
Third Stage – Diestrus
Diestrus is the final stage in the estrous cycle, which can last for six weeks. It is the resting stage because hormone levels are low.
This period can be lengthened by as much as four months in some large and giant breeds with low thyroid function, while it can be as short as two weeks or more in highly fertile females.
Fourth Stage – Anestrus
In this stage, the female dog experiences low levels of estrogen and progesterone. It will not come into heat until these hormones increase in the next cycle. The length of an anestrus period varies from one month to two months.
Can A Dog Be In The Estrous But Not Bleed?
It is common for dogs to be in the heat but not bleed. It is called the Silent cycle.
It is a normal phenomenon in dogs, although you may not know it is happening. The bleeding is not a necessary part of the dog’s heat cycle, but it is a secondary sign that lets you realize the heat cycle is on.
FAQs
Conclusion
There is a lot of misinformation about how frequently dogs go into heat. The most common myths are that dogs go into heat every week. However, the truth is that dogs, depending on their size and other factors, go into heat every six months. In addition, the heat can last for two to three weeks and has several stages. Also, signs such as virginal bleeding and wider vulva can help you detect if your dog is in heat.
Related topic: Why is my dog shaking?
*photo by zannaholstova – depositphotos